Author Archives: Dandavats.com

What was it like to be chastised by Srila Prabhupada. Jahnava…
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What was it like to be chastised by Srila Prabhupada.
Jahnava devi dasi: In Dallas in 1972, the Deities, Sri Sri Radha-Kalachandji, arrived the same day as Srila Prabhupada, and Srila Prabhupada wanted to install Them in two days.
The Deities were covered with something sticky and little pieces of burlap and cloth were stuck to painted areas like Their eyes and so on.
The head pujari, Ichhamati, was concerned because she knew that when we dressed the Deities in the future we would have some difficulty. So, we tried every solvent that we could think of.
Nothing would get this sticky substance off. When we had tried everything, Ichhamati left me in charge of taking this stuff off. I’d already suggested paint remover, and we had thought about it a little bit.
Finally, she left and I began to use paint remover. My great offense was that I was confident that I could take all the paint off the Deities and repaint them in two days time.
I removed all the paint from the Deities and when the head pujari came back, she was in a state of shock. I said, “It’s all right,” but I understood I had done something in an unauthorized way.
I did not know at that time that these Deities were already installed. I didn’t know that they had been worshipped and that they were 500-year-old Deities, although this does not minimize my offense.
Anyway, I was painting the Deities all night in Srila Prabhupada’s quarters. And the next morning the Deity was totally wet. I was using a Japanese dryer but I could see that something was wrong, it was not going according to plan.
So, Satsvarupa Maharaj informed Srila Prabhupada of the situation on a morning walk.
Srila Prabhupada stopped and said, “Pack my bags immediately. I am leaving this temple. You can do whatever you like with the Deities, but just don’t consult me.”
Naturally, I went into a suicidal state. I was emotionally crying and devastated by my offense of having acted in an unauthorized way.
Then the GBC, the head pujari, the temple president, everyone gathered for a meeting in Srila Prabhupada’s room.
Srila Prabhupada said, “Who has done this?” Everyone said, “Jahnava, Jahnava did it.” Srila Prabhupada turned his glance to me and said, “Who told you to do this?”
At that moment, I was choked with emotion. There was no question of speech coming out of my mouth.
And at the same time, I remembered the Srimad-Bhagavatam where the bull does not blame anyone for his condition. I could have pointed my finger a few places but I didn’t.
I felt that I should not do this. And from within, I felt that Srila Prabhupada appreciated me not blaming someone else. Srila Prabhupada said, “Why did you do this?”
And again, I was choked with emotion. I had been crying hysterically for two hours. Srila Prabhupada began to be disgusted with me, and he started turning his glance and his mercy away from me.
I thought, “Krishna’s kicking and His kissing is the same. I want it. I want whatever Srila Prabhupada has to give me. It’s mine. This is my quota.” So I choked it off.
When Srila Prabhupada asked, “Why have you done this?” I said, “Nonsense, Srila Prabhupada.” Srila Prabhupada said, “Suicidal nonsense.”
Then he asked me, “So, what is to be done about it?” Now he’d changed his tone of voice a little bit and he seemed pleased. I felt a little let off the hook.
I said, “I just called Baradraj in L.A. and explained that the paint is not drying, and he suggested I use …”
Srila Prabhupada said, “Baradraj? Baradraj? I am your spiritual master, and I am sitting right in front of you! Why do you not ask me?”
The sound reverberations of that form of Srila Prabhupada as a servant of Lord Nrsimhadev are going out into the universe, still reverberating to this day.
It took me about two or three years to calm down. It was a wonderful, cleansing process. Srila Prabhupada was disgusted with me, and he turned his glance away from me and said, “What is to be done about this?”
Then Ichhamati said the same thing I did, but with humility. She said, “Srila Prabhupada, if we use an enamel paint, it can dry in six to eight hours. Would it be all right with you if we use that kind of paint?” Srila Prabhupada said, “Do it immediately.”
—Jahnava
Excerpt from “Memories-Anecdotes of a Modern-Day Saint”
by Siddhanta das
www.prabhupadamemories.com

What is Harinama all about? Watch this video to find out! Srila…
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What is Harinama all about? Watch this video to find out!
Srila Prabhupada: “Sri Krishna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma (Supersoul) in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who relishes His messages, which are themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 1.2.17).
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/OCnIyZ

Iskcon New Govardhana – Cows, Kookaburras & Flowers – 08…
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Iskcon New Govardhana – Cows, Kookaburras & Flowers – 08 August 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: It is the special mercy of the Supreme Lord that as soon as He knows that one is glorifying His name, fame and attributes, He personally helps cleanse the dirt from one’s heart. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.12 Purport).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/f7Ktur

5 Ways to Love Janmastami
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5 Ways to Love Janmastami
Janmastami is just one day, but how we spend it can deeply inspire us for the whole year.
Krishna consciousness mean we are conscious of Krishna. He becomes an active part of our life – like a close friend or an affectionate family member we love to be around. Krishna consciousness, then, is loving to be around Krishna.

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Mother is first guru. Padmapani das: When I was a young man…
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Mother is first guru.
Padmapani das: When I was a young man preaching in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman to the East Indian community there, I was often asked how my mother was doing. Our life members and friends were curious to know what kind of a woman would give birth to a son who became a member of the Hare Krishna movement at an age when most young men would be avidly persuing a career or attending university. It seemed rather unusual to them that a Canadian lady would have a son who eschewed the western way of living to adopt the path of Krishna consciousness. I’ll always remember their oft-repeated comment that “Mother is first guru.” I have to be honest. I didn’t take that comment too seriously then, but now I know different. I was blessed with a mother who was truly a guru to me in all respects. She helped set the scene for me to meet my eternal spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. For that – and for many other reasons – I’ll always be grateful and indebted to my dear mother, Rita Sarah McNaughton (nee Lindsay), for pointing me in the right direction.
When I joined the Hare Krishna movement fresh out of high school, my mother was very happy for me. She accepted Srila Prabhupada as a bona fide spiritual master and pure devotee of Krishna. She often said that she knew I was in safe hands. From that day on my mother never worried about me even when I was running off to dangerous foreign lands to try and spread Krishna consciousness. And even when I was imprisoned in Beirut during civil war, she knew in her heart that Krishna would save me. “Krishna can do anything” was one of her favorite sayings.
My mother passed away on August 6, 2015. Last year I wrote a eulogy for her which you can read by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. Some of her Krishna conscious artwork is reproduced there as well. Here are a few entries I wrote on this website one year ago.
August 5, 2015: Momji, one of the first “Hare Krishna Moms,” is now in the final stages of her life. She has been chanting the holy names since 1974 and has performed many services for Srila Prabhupada’s movement and his followers. May we humbly request all devotees to kindly say a prayer on Momji’s behalf. (Momji lives in Victoria, Canada – age 93.) Thank you sincerely.
August 6, 2015 (early morning): Many thanks to all those devotees and friends who have sent e-mails expressing their concern for my mother, Momji. Apologies that I can’t reply to each one personally right now, but please know that every message is most appreciated.
Momji is resting quietly with either live chanting of Hare Krishna, Prabhupada bhajans or her favorite song, “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison playing in the background. Although she is not moving physically (or taking food and water), her nurses say that she can still hear. Whenever another message arrives, I read it to her aloud. Momji loves the devotees. This has been going on for three days now. Let’s see what Krishna has in mind, but it shouldn’t be too long before Momji departs. Due to her many years of chanting, sincere service and absolute faith in Srila Prabhupada, Momji’s future is a bright one, I’m sure. A picture of Prabhupada watches over her at all times – the same photo which sat above my father’s head when he left his body years ago.
Please join me in prayers and love for a great soul who was always a humble servant and well-wisher of everyone. Thanks again for all your kind words and thoughts. More later as things unfold.
August 6, 2015 (evening): “Momj has left the house.” These are the words Momji herself chose to describe her imminent departure just a few weeks ago in conversation. She said that it perfectly describes the situation of the soul which is just passing from one dwelling to another. No big deal – just moving on, hopefully to a better place.
So the good soul known as Momji has had enough of this place. She left at about 8:00 o’clock this morning (August 6th). No big fanfare or hooplah. Just a quiet passing. She is now free from the burdens of her old body and the weight of the world which she carried on her shoulders.
Thank you, Momji. You left this world a better place because of your presence here. All glories to your genuinely humble attitude and service. We can all learn from your pure example. Your life was not in vain by any means. Quite to the contrary.
I’ll be writing a eulogy soon. Thanks to one and all for your genuine concern and love. Much appreciated indeed.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Note: In her last hours, my mother was breathing quite heavily. Realizing that her time had come, I encouraged her, “Say Hare Krishna, Mom.” My mother slowly uttered, “Hey Kish-hhhh…” She was unable to say more. I then reassured her, “Don’t worry, Mom, Prabhupada will save you.” She replied with a deep conviction in her dying voice, “Yeahhhhhhh…” Those were her last words.
(In the photo my mother and me in Estevan, Saskatchewan, June 1958)

World famous plastic surgeon Dr. Ivo Pitanguy, known also for…
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World famous plastic surgeon Dr. Ivo Pitanguy, known also for his philanthropic spirit and interest in spiritual life left this world after receiving a Krishna conscious book authored by Srila Prabhupada’s disciple HH Dhanvantari Swami.
Sri Bhakti Das and Indira Jahnava D.D.: Recently we had the opportunity to meet with him and give him the beautiful book “Jewels of Truth”, written by a great spiritual master, who in turn is also a scientist, and maxillofacial surgeon and Dr. Ivo Pitanguy´s compatriot, HH Dhanvantari Swami.
We pray for the soul of Dr. Ivo Pitanguy and for the comfort of all his family members, disciples and friends.

I am prepared to live in Hell even, if I am able to serve the…
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I am prepared to live in Hell even, if I am able to serve the Lord.
In his diary for Sunday, March 6, 1966, Srila Prabhupada noted that this day in India was being celebrated as the day Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came into the world. “Devotees are enjoying the celebration” he wrote, remembering the elaborate feasts and blissful chanting that took place in Gaudiya Maths on Mahaprabhu’s Appearance Day “ I am here alone without any devotee company but I have come here to serve the Lord and not for personal happiness. I am prepared to live in Hell even, if I am able to serve the Lord. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu wanted that His mission should be propagated all over the world and that is my objective. I do not find the inconvenience personally felt” ~ SWAMI IN A STRANGE LAND BY Joshua M. Greene / Yogesvara dasa P. 89

Books and Prasadam Distribution in Thailand (Album with photos)…
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Books and Prasadam Distribution in Thailand (Album with photos)
Siam Devotees help the local people connect to Shyam…
July, 1976-Room Conversation, New Mayapur
Hari-sauri: People in Thailand are quite pious.
Prabhupada: Yes. They are Indian culture. Their original culture is Indian. It is called Siam. (pronounces like Syama) Krsna’s name. And they have got the airplane, Garuda.
Hari-sauri: Yes. Garuda Airlines.
Prabhupada: So they are devotees originally, all Krsna devotees.
Devotee (1): The king is speaking Sanskrit.
Prabhupada: Yes. It was known, it has been changed now. Formerly, it was known as Syam state, Siam. Syam is the name of Krsna. Whole state was named under Krsna. So, and they manufacture very nice idol of Radha-Krsna. They’re accustomed.
Hari-sauri: They have a very strong Buddhist influence there now.
Prabhupada: Huh?
Hari-sauri: Buddhist.
Prabhupada: Later on, they became Buddhist, but originally they were Vaisnava.
Devotee (1): So they will not make some objection if they think we are thinking we have come to preach Hinduism in a Buddhist country?
Prabhupada: It is not… Don’t establish Deity. Talk on philosophy.
Devotee (1): “God is the supreme controller.”
Prabhupada: Yes. We accept Lord Buddha as incarnation of God. Show in our books that we have got all respect for Buddha. We do not disrespect Lord Buddha, neither go against him. Anyway, if we get one house to live and a supporter, a big supporter, then our position will be secure. And if our cause is honest, then nobody can check.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/cMXTm1

Checkerboard Cookies! (Recipe) Shilpy Malhotra: Krishna prasadam…
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Checkerboard Cookies! (Recipe)
Shilpy Malhotra: Krishna prasadam tastes wonderful.
Why should we eat only Krishna Prasadam & nothing else?
As we all know everything belongs to Krishna therefore everything is meant for the service of Krishna, for the pleasure of Krishna, so if we take things for ourselves, for our own pleasure and try to enjoy them without first offering them to Krishna then we become thieves. If we take something that belongs to Krishna and use it for ourselves then we have stolen it from Krishna and we become sinful thieves.
Karma is another aspect that we have to look into. Everything we do in the material world, good or bad, generates a reaction that we will have to enjoy or suffer in the future. So if we are performing these activities that generate good and bad karma that will force us to continue taking birth in the material world perpetually so that we can experience the good and bad karma we have accumulated in this life. So unless we can stop generating karma there is no escape for us from the material world.
But, if we work for Krishna there will be no karmic reaction generated by that work and if we eat foods that have been prepared with love and devotion and offered to Krishna, then eating will not generate any karmic reaction. Rather this service to Krishna and eating Krishna prasadam will stop the karmic reactions that are stored up within our hearts from acting on us.
If we are serious about advancing in spiritual life then we must eat only Krishna prasadam and nothing else. If we eat foodstuffs which are not prepared by devotees and which are not offered to Krishna with love then we will be eating only sin and we will be subject to the karmic reactions involved in that food. It will entangle us more and more in the cycle of birth and death.
So for most of us that means we have to learn how to cook for Krishna, because if we don’t cook for Krishna and offer the food to Krishna then how will we be able to get Krishna prasadam on a regular basis?
Here is my little contribution on preparing & offering food to Krishna with love & devotion. I have developed all these recipes with special care & effort. I believe it will be of great help to everyone to learn & cook for Krishna. It is a collection of recipes, for everyday cooking as well as for the festivals & other special occasions. It will help everyone to be able to get Krishna prasadam regularly.
Recipe: http://goo.gl/zqPFZT

Radha Kunda Seva: July 2016 Photos and Updates (Album with…
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Radha Kunda Seva: July 2016 Photos and Updates (Album with photos)
It’s raining! ..and raining some more in Govardhan. This is good of course, but also adds challenges to our various services.
July 18th was Guru Purnima, the biggest parikrama day of the year. And sure enough, it was as busy as ever. But it was raining! Non-stop rain. Fortunately, by Radha and Krishna’s mercy we were able to distribute prasad as we usually do on the full moon day each month.
On the 28th, we prepared our monthly feast for the widows of Radha Kunda. But again, it was raining. We couldn’t serve them sitting down in the courtyard of our rented facility as we usually do, but had to give them packets-to-go instead. They were happy to get a feast-to-go. So no worries. 🙂
Thank you, dear friends for so generously stepping up to sponsor daily prasad meals and medical care for our ladies in Radha Kunda. Of the 23 who had lost their funding, 5 are now fully sponsored! Thank you!!! It’s such a relief to know that we will be able to keep caring for them. We are hopeful that more sponsors will come forward for the remaining 18.
As always, in spite of the rain, daily cleaning and prasadam distribution are continuing. And we are excited that construction on the kitchen is scheduled to start after the rains stop!
Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com.
Your servants, Campakalata Devi dasi, Padma Gopi Devi dasi, Urmila Devi Dasi, and Mayapurcandra dasa.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/KO1ISY

Does Your Wife Run After Krishna? Bhakti Charu Swami: “Another…
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Does Your Wife Run After Krishna?
Bhakti Charu Swami: “Another way that Krishna attracts is through His dealings with us and these dealings give rise to five principle relationships. Those five principle relationships are: neutrality, servitorship, friendship, parental and conjugal. In this progression one is greater than the other. The subsequent one is greater than the preceding one. First is santa rasa, and then more deep is dasya, dasya is more profound than santa. Then sakhya (friendship) is more profound than servitorship. Parental is even more profound than friendship, and conjugal is the most profound. And in conjugal also there are two considerations: svakiya and parakiya. Conjugal relationship is a relationship between a man and a woman, a young boy and a young girl. Svakiya is the relationship that is socially approved. Socially approved means the relationship between the husband and wife. Society has approved that relationship: okay, this man and woman can have a relationship. But parakiya is without social approval, a clandestine love affair. So that relationship is even more intense and that relationship is there in Vrindavana between the gopis and Krishna. That is considered to be the highest of all relationships. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has revealed that. This is the teaching of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s teaching is ramya kacid upasana vraja-vadhu-vargena ya kalpita. [Chaitanya-matta-manjusa, by Srila Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura] The way the Vraja-vadhus, the cowherd damsels of Vrindavana, worship Krishna, serve Krishna is the highest form of relationship. Why? Because they didn’t have any other consideration. They did not care for social conventions. They didn’t consider what people will think about their relationship. They didn’t consider other relationships that they developed in their day-to-day life, relationship with their husbands, relationships with their superiors, relationships with their own children. All given up. So from the mundane perspective, “Oh, that’s not good”, but from the spiritual perspective that is the highest. When one is prepared to sacrifice everything for Krishna, that is the highest form of relationship. Sometimes some moralists raise that point, “Oh, why did Krishna have this relationship with the gopis like that? They were not married.” Yes, from the moral perspective that is not right, but from the spiritual perspective that is the highest stage, that is the highest consideration. I will give an example. When your wife becomes a devotee of Krishna, do you become jealous? Do you think it is wrong? When your wife runs after Krishna, do you think there is something wrong? So that’s how we have to see it. Rather, it is glorious! How many of you are proud that your wife is a devotee? There you are! [laughter] So the point is, first of all, you have to recognize who Krishna is, then only it becomes more and more clear.”
His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami, Lord Krishna’s Pastimes Outside of Vrindavana, 29th May 2016, European Retreat, Island of Iz (Croatia)
Transcription by HG Ranga Radhika Dasi

Jahnava Devi Dasi: Of all Srila Prabhupada’s qualities,…
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Jahnava Devi Dasi: Of all Srila Prabhupada’s qualities, the one that overwhelmed me was his inconceivable humility.
His humility disarmed my illusion to the point that I could sincerely ask him a question.
At first, when I raised my hand he ignored me. He waited until somebody else in the room raised their hand, and he answered their question.
This happened three or four times and in my mind I was rephrasing my question. Then I asked my question. I closed my eyes and said, “Sri Bhaktivedanta Swami?”
I said his name and for a moment I became disoriented. I couldn’t even go on with the question.
Srila Prabhupada very patiently waited for me. It was an intense moment because his glance and his mercy were upon me.
I said, “How is it that the Absolute, which is at this point, for me, beyond human comprehension, how can it take this form of Krishna-Radha?”
Prabhupada said, “It is His mercy.” Then he said something astounding, a mystical thing that broke through my hippie misconceptions.
Srila Prabhupada said, “The Bhagavatam says that if you want to understand God, His name, His quality, His paraphernalia, His form, it is not possible by your present senses. Your senses are so contaminated that it is not possible for you to understand God by speculation. Then?”
“How it is possible? God reveals Himself to you by your service attitude. And that service attitude begins from your tongue. How? You chant Hare Krishna and taste Krishna prasadam. Two things.”
“You cannot understand what is God, but God will reveal to you, ‘Here I am.’ Just as you cannot ask the sun, ‘Please rise up I want to see you.’ Oh, the sun is not your servant. But when the sun reveals himself to you, you see yourself, you see the sun, and you see the whole world nicely. You have to wait for that revelation.”
Six months before this, after I’d fasted for days, I had climbed a mountain all night long and was sitting on the edge of a cliff meditating on om.
My plan was that when the sun rose, I would merge with it and become one with the One. But the day was cloudy and when the sun rose I couldn’t see it.
The night before I had come to Krishna consciousness, I had prayed to a deity of Lord Shiva to please help me know the answer for everything, and then the next day I met Srila Prabhupada. How everything happened was wonderful.
After Srila Prabhupada’s lecture, he went back to his apartment and we all got ready for bed.
Thirty minutes later word got out that Srila Prabhupada had come back. We scrambled together, came into the temple room and sat there expectantly.
Srila Prabhupada was grave. At first he didn’t say anything. He played a tape of Vande ‘ham with himself on the harmonium and said, “I have just received a telegram from India saying that His Holiness Keshava Maharaj, my sannyas guru, is no more. He has entered Krishna’s abode.”
Srila Prabhupada said that Keshava Maharaj (in te photo) was a Vaishnava, an ocean of mercy, and he said, “I am offering my respectful obeisances to him along with my disciples.”
As he talked, he remembered Keshava Maharaj, and a tear slowly came and hovered a little while.
That tear was like the shining diamond of his separation from his sannyas guru, it was such a beautiful tear. And at last it fell.
Srila Prabhupada had written a resolution of bereavement and asked everyone to sign it. One girl, Madhavi-lata, took it around.
She wasn’t going to let another guest and me sign but Srila Prabhupada said, “No, no, everyone here, they are all witnesses.”
Then I knew that Srila Prabhupada was accepting me as a part of something that was happening. It was a wonderful experience.
Excerpt from “Memories-Anecdotes of a Modern-Day Saint”
by Siddhanta das
www.prabhupadamemories.com

Of Straw and Humility. Ananda Vrindavana Devi Dasi: One of the…
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Of Straw and Humility.
Ananda Vrindavana Devi Dasi: One of the 8 teachings left behind by Sri Caitanya speaks of humility. It says that one must be in a humble state of mind in order to meditate properly. We should feel lower than a piece of straw in the street actually. What does that mean and what are the implications for our practice?
Humility is a huge topic and true humility can’t be faked. It is grounded in the deep realization that we are not these bodies and not the owner of our things nor the controller of our lives. It’s coming to the point of dependence on Krishna, of knowing we need help to figure out who we are and where we are going. To ‘solve this mystery before we’re history’ as the song goes.
To be happy being as insignificant as a piece of straw in the street happens when we are in relationship with someone who loves us. Not ordinary love, but spiritual love, Godly love. When we know we are truly loved to the deepest core of our sacred soul, that nothing material can change that love, that we also have a capacity to receive and give endless love, then humility is a natural by product.
Getting to humility can be painful, but if we want to free ourselves from the false sense of self, then that pain is welcome. When we feel the pinch of envy or the slap of pride, the fear of failure or the anger of offense, we know there is work to be done. As we progress in spiritual consciousness we face the challenge of more subtle layers of attachment and false ego. Genuine humility isn’t cheap but it is available if we really want it, and are ready to practice it. And what is that practice? With the help of the Gita and daily attentive personal chanting we can turn our pain into gratitude, and see it as a message to remind us that we are not the body and anything connected to it is temporary.
Pick up a blade of grass or a piece of straw. Keep it on your desk and let it remind you of Sri Caitanya’s lesson on humility. As with most things spiritual, it’s an inside job. Watch your reactions. See if you are willing to let go, let love, let Krishna. Let the straw be not the one that breaks the camel’s back, but the one that you lean on to grow strong and free from this material world.
Here’s the full humility verse with Sanskrit:
trinad api sunicena
taror api sahisnuna
amanina manadena
kirtaniyah sada harih
One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.

Vedic Village (Album with photos) Ramai Swami: One of the main…
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Vedic Village (Album with photos)
Ramai Swami: One of the main attractions of the Ananda Mela in Seattle was the “Vedic Village” section.
A ten metre long diorama was erected showing the descent of the Ganga from the toe of the Lord, through the Himalayas, through various holy places like Hrsikesa, and finally going out into the ocean at Ganga Sagara.
Other parts of the village included a pen for two of our cows, roti making using traditional clay and cow dung oven, produce from our farm etc.
Find them here: http://goo.gl/EjX3vI

Making our Outreach Relevant. Srimad Bhagavatam class by…
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Making our Outreach Relevant.
Srimad Bhagavatam class by Chaitanya Charan Prabhu at ISKCON Chowpatty. (2016-08-03)
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.84.34-37: The sages then spoke again, O King, addressing Vasudeva while all the kings, along with Lord Acyuta and Lord Rama, listened. It has been definitely concluded that work is counteracted by further work when one executes Vedic sacrifices as a means of worshiping Visnu, the Lord of all sacrifices, with sincere faith. Learned authorities who see through the eye of scripture have demonstrated that this is the easiest method of subduing the agitated mind and attaining liberation, and that it is a sacred duty which brings joy to the heart.
Purport:
Both Sridhara Svami and Sri Jiva Gosvami here agree that the ritual karma of Vedic sacrifices is particularly meant for attached householders. Those who are already renounced in Krsna consciousness, like Vasudeva himself, need only cultivate their faith in the Lord’s devotees, His Deity form, His name, the remnants of His food and His teachings, as given in Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/H6c06c

‘Walking Monk’ heads across Iowa. Bhaktimarga Swami, known as…
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‘Walking Monk’ heads across Iowa.
Bhaktimarga Swami, known as “The Walking Monk,” says “the walk before” encourages him to keep walking, which got him started on his most recent walk, a walk across America.
Bhaktimarga Swami (formerly John Peter Vis) is a Hare Krishna monk who is walking across America to promote a healthier global lifestyle, a strong spiritual foundation and a simple meditative life.
“I’m also out here to integrate with people,” the 63-year-old Canadian said. “It’s kind of like a workout and a workin … to take time to process life.”
He is also walking to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the Hare Krisna movement.
On this particular day (Wednesday, July 20) he started just outside of Brooklyn on Highway 6 and was stopped just east of Grinnell.
Born in 1952 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, Bhaktimarga Swami adopted the monastic lifestyle of the Hare Krisna order in 1973.
Traveling on foot is a common practice in various traditions, he said, and it’s an effective way to reach out and communicate the importance of morality and ethical priorities.
“You learn to take it all in,” Bhaktimarga Swami said. “The heat, the wind, the rain, the traffic, the cold, the black flies, the mosquitos, the public attention or none. With all of that you learn detachment from the externals and how to go within to be happy.”
Bhaktimarga Swami said that during his travels he has had a number of different experiences. He usually starts a walk very early each day – recently to beat the heat in Iowa he has started around 4 a.m. And with wearing an orange robe he has been mistaken for a number of different things in the dark, including an escaped convict.
That normally brings the police, but after a brief discussion, he continues on his way.
In Iowa, Bhaktimarga Swami had only good to say for the law enforcement community.
“The police have been terrific,” he said. “The cops are nice here in Iowa.”
This tour is made of three parts – he started last fall in Boston, went to Bulter, Penn., then into New York. The second leg started in Butler and brought him to Grinnell. He plans on stopping near Grand Island, Neb., before continuing on the third leg next summer.
This isn’t new to him, he has trekked across Canada four times, Ireland, Israel, Guyana, Trinidad, the Fiji Islands, Mauritius and other countries. He was featured in a National Film Board of Canda’s documentary titled “The Longest Road.”
He averages about 20 miles a day, he said.
“While I walk I also meditate,” Bhaktimarga said. “As a monk you have that obligation to yourself – take to the elements and toughen up inside.”
Source: http://goo.gl/AXuNMJ

ISKCON Vraj Mandal Parikrama 2016 2015 was the 500th anniversary…
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ISKCON Vraj Mandal Parikrama 2016
2015 was the 500th anniversary year of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s visit to Vraj Mandal and 2016 being ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Come for Vraj Mandal Parikrama on this special occasion and immerse yourself in Krishna katha and kirtan by devotees from around the world.
There will be special facilities for international group. Visit www.vrajmandalparikrama.com for details on booking and facilities available. For more information contact us
VRAJ84@Pamho.net, Brajbhoomi.lok@pamho.net, shyamrupdas.lok@gmail.com.
Brajbhoomi Das :-+91- 9415113744
Istadev Das:- +91-9593648074
Shyamrupa Das:- +91-8087115554
Paramdham Das:-+1(301)906- 3598
Fees
A) Rs. 5000/- Bramhachari, Fulltime Devotees,Namhatt Devotees ( with recommendation letter )
B) Rs. 7000/- Regular Indian devotees
C) Rs.11000/- International Group
D) Rs.12000/- shuttle Group
E) Rs. 21000/- Special Group
Below is the schedule.
October 2016
16th:- Vrindavan Parikrama – Ishtagoshti
17th:- Vrindavan To Mathura
18th:- Mathura Parikrama
19th:- Mathura to Madhuban
20th:- Madhuban To Shantanu Kund
21st:- Shatanukund to Radhakund
22nd:- Radhakund – Goverdhan Parikrama
23rd:- Radhakund – Bahulaashtmi Radhakund
24th:- Radhakund to Deeg
25th:- Deeg to Badrinath
26th:- Badrinath Parikrama – Indira Ekadashi
27th:- Badrinath to Kamavan
28th:- Kamavan Interior Parikrama
29th:- Kamavan External Parikrama
30th:- Kamavan to Barsana – Deepavali
31st:- Barsana – Goverdhan Puja
November 2016
01st:- Barsana
02nd:- Barsana to Nandgaon
03rd:- Nandgaon to Kokilavan
04th:- Kokilavan – Prabhupada Disapp Day
05th:- Kokilvan to Sheshashyai
06th:- Sheshashyai to Shergarh
07th:- Shergarh to chirghat
08th:- Chirghat to Bhandirvan – Gopastami
09th:- Bhandirvan to Mansarovar
10th:- Mansarovar to Lohavan
11th:- Lohavan to Dauji – Utthan Ekadashi
12th:- Dauji to Brahmand Ghat
13th:- Bramhand Ghat to Raval
14th:- Raval to Mathura – Kartik Purnima

TARANG Festival (Album with photos) IYF C2C organised its first…
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TARANG Festival (Album with photos)
IYF C2C organised its first ever only Boys festival ‘TARANG’.
In an anticipation to have deep association of each other, IYF C2C organised its only boys festival Tarang. This festival saw a confluence of large number of new enthusiasts along with the experienced devotees. Not only was it a different experience for these new boys who were eagerly looking forward for some spiritual healing but also gave a new taste to the existent devotees.
IYF C2C was honored with the presence of HG Patri Prabhu from ISKCON Nepal, who is an ardent preacher and inspirer of Krishna consciousness. He shared with everyone the ‘Password of Happiness’ through interactive seminars and served everyone with some food for thought. The festival was ornamented with an exceptional mime play which gave way to yet another series of take away questions for all. The festival finished with extremely stunning performance by our Rock band and some delicious prasadam.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/y4rQE3

Disha Festival 16 (Album with photos) It was a festival in the…
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Disha Festival 16 (Album with photos)
It was a festival in the true sense! Very many beautiful colours, dance performances, dramas, music, food and absolutely unlimited bliss. IYF C2C’s first only girls Festival- Disha’16 was a complete success because of the beautiful smiling faces its welcomed. Girls independent from the rest of the world but lovingly dependent on each other, put across a beautiful show. There were ecstatic kirtans, classical dance performances, a hilarious drama on the topic ‘Why do Bad things happen to good people’. A presentation on ‘The password to happiness’ made many Young minds think. It was followed by a flash mob and a pantomime show called ‘Me and my mind’. Lastly, the festival impressioned the audience with its rock show and a beautiful Vedic Fashion show where Young vaishnavis showcased beautiful traditional outfits.
The festival wrapped up with a huge gathering of girls at their favourite counter of ‘Gol gappa’s’ along with other delicious items of prasadam.
All glories to the young Vaishnavis!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/5Bbs20

Kadamba Kanana Swami: I have a cartoon. The first picture shows…
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Kadamba Kanana Swami: I have a cartoon. The first picture shows a child, you know, baby just born and the caption says, “Too young.” Next picture shows a couple in love, hand-in-hand, full moon behind them, “Too much in love.” Next picture shows a family, a few kids, you know, bags with groceries. He has got a phone, a computer, a drill and a screwdriver. I mean, they have six arms; they are, “Too busy.” Next picture, an old man; death, “Too old.” Last picture has cross on the grave, “Too late.”
So at every stage of life, we have an excuse. We always have an excuse. So, now you can say, “I always thought chanting Hare Krsna was very difficult and now I have the perfect excuse – children! So happy that I have children because I don’t have to chant Hare Krsna anymore. It is a relief, right, because now I have very good arguments not to chant.”
No, chanting must be done under any condition of life and no material difficulty can ever be accepted as a valid excuse for not chanting.
Yeah, you know, “Why didn’t you chant your rounds today?”
“I broke my leg.”
“That is not a valid excuse. You could have chanted in the hospital.”
“Yes, but I was unconscious.”
“Well, then you should have started chanting when you regained consciousness.”
So we do not accept any excuse when it comes to chanting. Sorry! That is the first point and that is how we have to deal with ourselves. You have to take charge of yourself with intelligence as if you are another person, looking at yourself then you see yourself coming with excuses.
RedAlarmClock“I’m too busy.”
“Sorry, that’s not an excuse.”
Make time. You manage to make time when you really like something… like for your favourite TV program. So yes, with our intelligence, we must take charge and make arrangements – make time to chant. And chant with a plan. Don’t just let chanting happen.
“I have to chant sixteen rounds. I’m really trying, I’m trying. But I’m so busy, I’m so busy. You can’t believe how busy I am, I just cannot do it. I just don’t have the time. I try and try, every day I try. Don’t have the time.”
Uh, uh. Get time management! You have a time management problem. Yes, you are chanting without a plan. How do you think you will get it done without a plan? You have to have a plan. You have to build chanting into your day. Say, “I’ll chant here, I’ll chant there, and I need so much time for sixteen rounds. So many rounds here, so many rounds there.” That is how it is done!
You know, I also have a plan to chant today because I just arrived in Australia. I am sort of still dizzy and disoriented and looking at like, “Where am I?” Seems to be Sydney and there are three programs today. Three programs. So, I have to chant some rounds on the drive back… I have to make sure that I don’t fall asleep and that the driver is not going to try to reveal his heart to me while driving. (laughter) So, make a plan for spiritual life and it will go well.

Interesting improvements for Iskcon Alachua. The Temple…
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Interesting improvements for Iskcon Alachua.
The Temple President: Even during one of the hottest summers we’ve seen here, a lot of work got done at the Temple this summer, and almost all of it was by volunteer labor.
Pavilion: You must have noticed by now that the ceiling of the pavilion has been painted white. Not only does it brighten the place up, but it is protection against deterioration of the roof subsurface. This is painstaking work, not only is it very, very high, requiring intense neck bending, but there’s a lot of stop and start for all the cutting in that has to be done. But Kirtan Scott (son of Rucira devi dasi and Adikarta das) has handled the entire job single handedly, and expertly. We will be grateful to him for this huge labor of love for years to come !
Cabanas: The old deteriorating cabanas at the back of the property got some desperately needed rehab, and are now nice living spaces for the WWOOFERS (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) who stay with us throughout the year providing valuable labor on the farm.
Patio Remodel: The first phase of the brick patio remodel was completed. A Tulasi greenhouse once stood here but for the past several years only the old walls remained. Now the area has been cleared and the roof has been installed over the existing columns. In fact, a couple of columns were added to make the whole structure more secure. It’s a beautiful shaded spot for vendor tables, and no more pop up tents required. The design was the brainchild and hard work of Jambu das, who just came by New Raman Reti for a little visit. Or that’s what he thought anyway. Before he knew it, he had agreed to “put a little roof over the columns,” and we have a super engineered structure that will serve the community for generations to come. Stay tuned for new brickwork and comfortable tables and chairs.
New Landscaping: The old landscaping at our front entrance gates had done its duty. It was plumb tuckered out. Maitreya das got his jeep and a rope and yanked the juniper bushes out, a serious task as they are very strongly rooted. Jitari das designed new plantings, and got busy laying the ground work, prepping the soil, fertilizing, laying down cardboard to keep the weeds down, then the plastic layer, and putting in the new plants and fresh mulch. The irrigation system got an upgrade at the same time. He was ably assisted by Bhakta Dave, and by Parasurama das and the three WWOOFERS visiting us now. Special thanks to Advaita Acharya das and Sarad Bihari devi dasi for making a generous contribution towards all the materials.
Workers
Sakshigopal das and family live in one of the oldest mobile homes on the property. And it is Grand Central Station over there; every Sunday he opens the doors for all and any of our Indian congregation to come over, have bhajan, see their beautiful Panca Tattva and Gaura Nitai altar, and take Prasadam. The house needed some TLC, and we gave it some. Fresh paint throughout thanks to Manusrestha das, some new flooring and some basic repairs are a start and feel like a breath of fresh air for everyone who visits now.
Kitchen Floor, Temple Floor and Veranda: Our Big Kitchen floors take a tremendous amount of wear and tear and hadn’t been touched up in six years. Manusrestha das, assisted by Mahabuddhi das, Prabhupada Pran das and Jivanath das, moved everything out, rolled out new paint mixed with a non-slip material and it’s made a world of difference in there. The veranda all around the Temple building was freshly painted once again by Ras Prakash das. Taking on this service is his pride and joy, and it really shows. He polished the Temple room marble floors while he was at it! Hours and hours of work. A real labor of love.
Ongoing Maintenance: I don’t want to forget the maintenance that goes on every week of the year including the hot summer months: the beautiful flower gardens around the property thanks to Madhuryalilananda devi dasi, our prolific organic vegetable gardens thanks to Janmeyjaya das and Shanka das, the ever expanding and productive Eco Teaching Farm led by Akuti devi dasi, Srimati Tulsi Devi’s garden always impeccable and in the best of health thanks to the constant nurturing and attention of Madhuri Gopi devi dasi, and our Serenity Gardens created and maintained and continuously made more perfect by Maitreya das. Thanks to the devotees who take on the constant summertime mowing, Mahananda das and Maitreya das, and to all our farm devotees especially who carry on so many services for our community.

The Universal Gospel Choir – Hare Krishna Eshgh Allah (9 min…
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The Universal Gospel Choir – Hare Krishna Eshgh Allah (9 min video)
“Hare Krishna Hare Rama” is the ‘Mahamantra’ (‘great mantra’) of the Hindu faith. Here it is joined with the Islamic (& Sufi) sacred phrase of “Eshgh Allah Mabood Allah” (‘God is Love, God is the Beloved’). Add in a chorus from an 80’s anthem song and the result is a song dedicated to love, harmony & respect between religions.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/6127BG

Kids Hare Krishna camp Simhachalam 2016, Germany (Album with…
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Kids Hare Krishna camp Simhachalam 2016, Germany (Album with photos)
15th edition. Attended by a total of about 35 children with their parents or grandparents from across Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Austria).
Urmila Devi Dasi: This festival this week is for children…. the temple, guest house, and grounds (in tents) are filled with families. I am so happy–beyond happy, thrilled really–to be at a Hare Krishna festival that is all about children and families. Children at mangala arotik, children in scripture classes (making some noise of course, but no one complains!), children getting a tour of the pujari room! This is *society.* The families that are here are friendly, helpful, and really feel like one large extended family having a reunion. It’s super…
And…. this temple complex is unique in the Hare Krishna Movement, as the Lord is worshiped here only in His Nrsimhadeva form. The atmosphere is more South Indian than Gaudiya (in my opinion) and a very mysterious and mystical and ancient kind of ambience. I frankly prefer Krishna as Krishna and at the same time Krishna in His Nrsimhadeva form is fun, scary, awesome, awe-inspiring, surprising, and scary (did I already say that?).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/3l194L